Evelyn + Collyn’s Mount Vernon Engagement Session

There’s something undeniably magical about planning an engagement session in the Pacific Northwest, especially when you toss in fields of tulips and that dreamy golden hour glow. Evelyn + Collyn’s April Mount Vernon Engagement Session was perfection… even if we had to pivot our plans at the last second (because what is life without a little plot twist).

As a wedding photography team who thrives on capturing real love stories and tangible memories, we’re so excited to be sharing the behind-the-scenes of this vibrant tulip-filled session plus some pro tips for choosing the perfect engagement photo location. Because we get it: you want dreamy, meaningful photos without the stress, and that’s our specialty.

Crafting the Perfect Mount Vernon Engagement Session

One of my favorite parts about our job is getting to actually connect with our couples before we ever press the shutter. For Evelyn + Collyn, that meant a relaxed Google Meet call where we laughed, swapped stories, and planned their entire Mount Vernon engagement session from start to finish. Meetings without leaving our couches (or in my case, my very well-loved standing desk with at least three of my children photobombing in the background) are my favorites.

They knew right away where they wanted to go: Mount Vernon during the Tulip Festival. And let’s be honest, how could anyone resist those endless rainbow rows of flowers? It’s like stepping into a painting where you can legit smell the flowers.

But here’s the trick with popular locations like the Tulip Festival: they’re, well… popular. Like, lines-to-get-into-the-parking-lot, tour-bus-level popular. Which is why we scheduled their session for a Monday at sunset. Weekdays are a sweet spot where we could enjoy the beauty without the crowds. Hot tip for fellow introverts and anyone allergic to chaos: weekday sessions are your BFF.

Plot Twist! AKA: Why I always have a backup plan

You could say my favorite quote is “expect the unexpected” and it’s pretty much my unofficial motto for all things weddings and engagements. Without fail, something unexpected will happen and you’ll need a backup plan. True to this thought process: We showed up for their Mount Vernon engagement session early, the sun already casting that buttery pre-golden glow, hearts full of excitement and BOOM. The field we planned around was closed. The owner had put up temporary fencing, so an “afterhours” session wasn’t going to be possible.

But here’s where being a mom of four and longtime documentary photographer comes in handy: I always come with a Plan B (and let’s be honest, usually a Plan C and D, too). While checking the weather the day before, I found a local public garden that was open until dusk, bursting with beautiful, well-kept plants and a quiet corner all to ourselves. This place was perfection and *almost* everything Evelyn + Collyn had requested.

From that moment on, everything just clicked. Evelyn + Collyn trusted me fully, even when I asked them to spin, run, and snuggle up like they were completely alone. Of course, we also shot the cover for a new romance novel (in case anyone feels like writing that). Their laughs? 100% real. The chemistry? Absolutely contagious. Every second of this Mount Vernon engagement session made us forget that we’d pivoted only an hour earlier.

Tips for Choosing Your Perfect Engagement Session Location

Okay, friend, here’s the part where I pull up a metaphorical soapbox and bust out the heart-to-heart advice. Whether you’re dreaming of floral fields or forest vibes, picking your engagement photo location doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Let’s break it down:

1. Start with What You Love

Where do you two feel most you? Is it hiking in the mountains? Sipping coffee in a cozy café? Walking the beach at low tide? Choose a location that tells part of your love story—something meaningful, even if it’s not “Insta-famous.”

2. Consider the Light (and the Crowd)

Sunset is a photographer’s best friend, but so is a quiet space where you don’t feel like you’re being watched by 47 strangers. If you’re drawn to a busy spot, think about weekdays or sunrise sessions. Bonus: fewer people in the background and more magic in your photos.

3. Always Have a Backup Plan

Nature doesn’t come with a guarantee, and sometimes places close early, get muddy, or are under construction. I always consider multiple options ahead of time and recommend flexibility when it comes to locations (and footwear—yes, even cute boots can sink in tulip field mud!).

4. Trust Your Photographer

This one’s big. The best photos come when you’re relaxed, connected, and not worrying about the details. Let your photographer guide the experience. We know how to find the best light, the best angles, and the unexpected magic in every moment. And if you have the opportunity to meet with them either online or in person, DO IT. This will give you a whole lot more confidence when it comes to photographing moments that feel super intimate.

Real Love, Real Laughs, and Why We Do What We Do

Evelyn + Collyn reminded me exactly why I love this work. They weren’t trying to be models. They weren’t forcing smiles. They were just two humans in love, showing up as their beautiful, authentic selves. And as a photographer, that’s what I live for.

Yes, we captured those Pinterest-worthy engagement shots. But more importantly? We froze a moment in time that they’ll look back on and feel. The nerves. The laughter. The “oh wow, this is really happening” energy. That’s the stuff that matters.

So, if you’re dreaming of your own Mount Vernon engagement session and wondering where to start, just know you’re not in it alone. We’re here to help you plan, pivot, laugh through the awkwardness, and walk away with photos that feel like you.

Want more info on planning your own Mount Vernon engagement photos or exploring all the swoon-worthy spots the Pacific Northwest has to offer? Visit us at www.markiejonesweddings.com, and don’t forget to follow along on Instagram @markiejonesphotographyllc and Facebook www.facebook.com/mjpllc for more behind-the-scenes stories like this one.

Let’s make some magic. 💛